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Abstract

Introduction: Whether participation in long-term vigorous physical activity affects knee cartilage is unclear and may depend on the state of knee health. We examined the association between vigorous physical activity during a decade and the subsequent changes in knee cartilage among healthy adults. We then examined whether this effect differed in those with and without bone marrow lesions (BMLs), as an indicator of preclinical joint damage.

Methods: A total of 297 healthy adults age 50–79 yr were recruited. Physical activity was assessed via questionnaire at baseline (1990–1994) and at follow-up (2003–2004), and a score for persistence of vigorous physical activity score was determined. Each subject underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging in 2003–2004 and in 2006–2007. Cartilage volume, defects, and BMLs were measured using validated methods.

Conclusions: In knees with BMLs, persistent participation in vigorous physical activity was associated with adverse cartilage changes in the medial compartment. This suggests that the long-term effects of vigorous physical activity may depend on the preexisting health of the joint.

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